till lindemann
16:43 Friday, 16 June 2023
Update: Per a New York Times article, Universal Music has suspended promoting all of Rammstein's music in the wake of the investigation of vocalist Till Lindemann. "The accusations against Till Lindemann have shocked us," said a spokesperson for Universal Music. The original story is as follows.
Original Story: According to a report by Barron's, Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann is under investigation by Berlin prosecutors due to ongoing allegations of sexual assault and alleged distribution of narcotics.
"Preliminary proceedings have been initiated against Till Lindemann on allegations relating to sexual offences and the distribution of narcotics," a spokeswoman for the Berlin public prosecution's office said in a statement. Rammstein has not yet commented on this new development.
It all started in late May when Rammstein (specifically frontman Till Lindemann) was accused of misconduct after a show in Lithuania, which they denied ever happened.
Then earlier in June, Lindemann was dropped by his book publisher Kiepenheuer & Witsch over those allegations plus usage of his 2013 book In stillen Nächten in a porn video that allegedly "celebrates sexual violence against women." The dropping of Lindemann also came alongside a separate report published by German news channel Tagesschau detailing more accusations by more women.
Rammstein then issued a statement saying they're taking the accusations very seriously, and that they want fans to feel safe both at the show and backstage. Rammstein further states they "condemn any kind of transgression" and that they encourage fans not to be hostile toward those women who have come forward with allegations.
The following was translated using Google Translate: "The publications of the last few days have caused irritation and questions among the public and especially among our fans. The allegations hit us all very hard and we take them extremely seriously. We say to our fans: It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at our shows – in front of and behind the stage.
"We condemn any kind of transgression and ask you: do not engage in public prejudice of any kind against those who have made allegations. You have a right to your point of view. But we, the band, also have a right – namely not to be prejudiced either."
